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Recommended Citation
Stein-Fredbeck L, Rothbart K. Professional Governance: from Informational to Transformational. Professional Development poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Professional Development poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background
Nurse engagement and retention in governance structures is challenging, with many hesitant to participate due to perceived time constraints, lack of expertise, and insufficient skills. As a foundation of Magnet organizations, professional governance impacts nurse-sensitive indicators (NSI) and satisfaction. This initiative addressed barriers by equipping nurses to lead councils effectively, fostering improved participation, sustainable outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals.
Purpose
To improve engagement in unit-level professional governance councils, a structured program of chair educational sessions was developed, culminating in a comprehensive workshop. This initiative addressed concerns, providing chairs with tools and strategies to enhance council effectiveness
Method
Professional governance leaders in collaboration with nursing leadership developed a series of educational offerings integrated into regular professional governance meetings. Partnering with quality, nursing excellence, and executive leadership, the program educated members on unit council structures, meeting facilitation, process improvement (PI) methodologies, risk assessment, and project management. The series culminated in a workshop where departmental councils reviewed strategic nursing priorities and selected one NSI below national benchmarks for their department to develop a rapid-cycle PI project.
Results
As a large nonprofit, Magnet-designated hospital in the Midwest, our organization comprises 31 nursing departments, 28 of which participate in professional governance. Prior to the education offerings and workshop only inpatient nursing departments held regularly scheduled meetings and only two were actively working on a PI project to improve nursing sensitive indicators, patient or nursing engagement. Now, all departments are actively engaged in improvement projects, with monthly PI updates presented at house-wide meetings, fostering accountability and driving progress.
Conclusions
Providing this structure has strengthened professional governance by empowering nurses and fostering a sense of support in their roles. Engaged councils are now driving meaningful change, positively impacting key metrics. This initiative has transformed our councils from merely informational to truly transformational.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Professional Governance: from Informational to Transformational
Background
Nurse engagement and retention in governance structures is challenging, with many hesitant to participate due to perceived time constraints, lack of expertise, and insufficient skills. As a foundation of Magnet organizations, professional governance impacts nurse-sensitive indicators (NSI) and satisfaction. This initiative addressed barriers by equipping nurses to lead councils effectively, fostering improved participation, sustainable outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals.
Purpose
To improve engagement in unit-level professional governance councils, a structured program of chair educational sessions was developed, culminating in a comprehensive workshop. This initiative addressed concerns, providing chairs with tools and strategies to enhance council effectiveness
Method
Professional governance leaders in collaboration with nursing leadership developed a series of educational offerings integrated into regular professional governance meetings. Partnering with quality, nursing excellence, and executive leadership, the program educated members on unit council structures, meeting facilitation, process improvement (PI) methodologies, risk assessment, and project management. The series culminated in a workshop where departmental councils reviewed strategic nursing priorities and selected one NSI below national benchmarks for their department to develop a rapid-cycle PI project.
Results
As a large nonprofit, Magnet-designated hospital in the Midwest, our organization comprises 31 nursing departments, 28 of which participate in professional governance. Prior to the education offerings and workshop only inpatient nursing departments held regularly scheduled meetings and only two were actively working on a PI project to improve nursing sensitive indicators, patient or nursing engagement. Now, all departments are actively engaged in improvement projects, with monthly PI updates presented at house-wide meetings, fostering accountability and driving progress.
Conclusions
Providing this structure has strengthened professional governance by empowering nurses and fostering a sense of support in their roles. Engaged councils are now driving meaningful change, positively impacting key metrics. This initiative has transformed our councils from merely informational to truly transformational.
Affiliations
Condell Medical Center